2025-2029 Surrey Financial Plan

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND LIVELIHOODS

• Successfully completed all deliverables for Year 1 of the Housing Accelerator Fund grant program; • Continued to support the implementation of the online permit portal and digital permit processing, providing new and enhanced permitting abilities across multiple permit types, improving transparency, access, and efficiency for applicants; • Launched the multi-family and complex building permitting portal; • Completed the online inspection request module, providing full online inspection request capabilities across electrical, plumbing and building permits; • Initiated two financial incentive programs, targeting developments near Rapid Transit and Non-Market Rental housing; • Initiated the implementation of online permitting capabilities for Development Planning applications, with an anticipated launch of early 2025; • Launched a new online development inquiry system; • Initiated the implementation of the automated zoning compliance system (Archistar), to increase the quality of submissions through a self-serve computer based pre-approval process; • Initiated the review of incorporating pre-approved plan options for Accessory Dwelling Units (“ADUs”) (coach house, garden suites, etc.) and six-storey buildings;

• Worked with Engineering to update the DCC bylaw and introduced a DCC fee exemption for affordable housing projects; • Realigned Building Division resources to more adequately respond to permit volumes, support staff mentorship, and focus on specific permit types to issue them quicker; • Established the Development Inquiry Assistant, an AI-powered chatbot to help customers find information at any time of the day; • Continued improvements to the consistency of services delivered through communication and training; • Proposed City Centre Office Policy Amendments in order to respond to changing market conditions and new provincial legislation; • Completed the review of the Certified Professional Program and began the implementation of recommendations, seeking to increase the use of professional reliance in the approval process; • Initiated the review of geotechnical review processes for hazard land development permits; and • Established a process for the issuance of early excavation building permits for multi-family housing.

City of Surrey | 2025—2029 Financial Plan | General Operating Fund | Planning & Development

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